Everton transfer pledge

EVERTON have denied that David Moyes’ summer transfer budget hinges on the Government’s verdict on a stadium move – as Steve Round attempts to clear the way for him to become the Scot’s assistant at Goodison.

EVERTON have denied that David Moyes’ summer transfer budget hinges on the Government’s verdict on a stadium move – as Steve Round attempts to clear the way for him to become the Scot’s assistant at Goodison.

Several reports had suggested the Blues were waiting to see whether Secretary of State Hazel Blears would ‘call in’ the application for a public inquiry on their Kirkby stadium plans before deciding how much money manager Moyes would be given to spend ahead of the 2008/09 season.

This Thursday was originally

expected to be the decision date, but a Government delay to the verdict sparked fears among Everton supporters that Moyes, who has one year remaining on his current contract and has yet to sign his agreed new deal, could be facing a cash-flow crisis that would scupper his transfer plans.

However, Everton’s head of PR Ian Ross said: “This is completely untrue.

“These are absolutely separate issues. They always have been and they always will be.

“The Government’s decision (on the Kirkby project) won’t have any impact on the manager’s transfer budget.”

Everton officials anticipate the delay will only be around a week and chief executive Keith Wyness is hopeful that the club will receive a favourable verdict.

He said: “This is just part of the decision making process. We will have to be patient and hope we eventually get the news we want to hear.”

Moyes’ first new arrival at Everton’s Finch Farm training base this summer is expected to be Round.

Round is currently on the coaching staff at Newcastle United but his contract with the Magpies expires today.

The 37-year-old is a free agent and Kevin Keegan has yet to offer him a new deal at St James’ Park, despite insisting that he would like him to stay.

Everton approached Round believing that no ‘fee’ would be involved in his switch to Goodison Park.

However, Newcastle, from whom Moyes acquired previous assistant Alan Irvine in 2002, are now trying to get compensation for Round.

One face who is unlikely to be arriving at Goodison this summer is Tottenham’s Tom Huddlestone, who yesterday penned a new five-year contract at White Hart Lane. The 21-year-old midfielder had been strongly linked with Everton.